The DRHE closely monitors the demand for emergency accommodation and have tried and tested contingency plans in place that provide additional bed capacity during exceptional / extreme events. Such plans were successfully activated during storm Ophelia, Emma and more recently during the concerts in the Phoenix Park.

We have been aware for some time, that securing emergency accommodation during the Papal visit could be challenging and that additional resources and planning would be required. Therefore the DRHE, in conjunction with the four Dublin Local Authorities, has coordinated and implemented contingency plans which will operate for the duration of the Papal Visit. These include the following measures:-

- The DRHE has assigned a project co-ordinator for the duration of the Papal Visit who will oversee the contingency plan;

- We have been working closely with private accommodation providers and ensured that existing hotel / B&B family accommodation bookings will not be adversely affected during the Papal visit;

- We have sourced a large number of additional, temporary units / rooms to cater for families presenting as homeless and in need of temporary emergency placement. These include several units suitable for large families. These are temporary emergency placements that can be accessed through the respective local authority (see contact details below);

- We have increased staffing of the Freephone 1800 707 707 which will operate as usual on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August from 10am to 2am;

- Our Housing First Outreach Teams (operated by Focus Ireland & Peter McVerry Trust) will be out on the streets of Dublin, engaging with people at risk of rough sleeping and working with them to access supports and shelter;

The DRHE is aware of the difficult circumstances that families experiencing homelessness have to face and we will continue to monitor the demand for emergency accommodation during this time. We will endeavour in the first instance, to accommodate any families that newly present during the Papal visit within the Dublin Region. However as part of our additional contingency measures, a certain number of spaces are located outside of the Dublin Region, these will be utilised only when absolutely necessary.

General Information

If an individual / family is presenting as homeless for the first time in Dublin, their respective Local Authority will carry out a comprehensive assessment.

- Dublin City Council - The Central Placement Service is available during the day in Parkgate Hall, 6-9 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 from 10.00am to 12.00pm and from 2.00pm to 4.00pm Monday to Friday for individuals and families presenting as homeless in the Dublin City Council area.

Dublin Region Homeless Executive

About Us

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive is provided by Dublin City Council as the lead statutory local authority in the response to homelessness in Dublin and adopts a shared service approach across South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.